Don't step on lava New lava, and that means even lava from an eruption from a few years ago, is not safe to walk on because there might be huge wholes that you could fall into. When lava flows, the layer which is closer to the air solidifies faster and that turns into tunnels through which the hot lava flows.

Walking on a volcano can be safe, but it is entirely dependent on the volcano's current alert level and the environment. Many dormant or "quiet" active volcanoes, like those in Hawaii or Iceland, have established trails that are safe for the general public. However, "safe" is a relative term in geology; even on stable volcanoes, you face risks like jagged, razor-sharp lava rock that can cause deep cuts if you trip, or unstable ground that could collapse into hidden lava tubes or "skylights." The most significant invisible danger is volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide, which can be life-threatening to those with respiratory issues. If a volcano is in an active eruption phase, official "exclusion zones" are strictly enforced because conditions can change in seconds—lava flows can redirect, or "Pele's hair" (sharp glass fibers) can blow into your eyes and lungs. To stay safe, you must always check the latest volcanic activity reports from local geological surveys, stick to marked paths, and never bypass safety barriers for a photo.